Page 71 of Ice, Love, & Other Penalties

“You did?” I glance at her and she nods.

“Maybe you can show me your vision,” I suggest.

“Are you sure you don’t want to be my mom?” Myra suddenly asks Indie. “You’re nice. I like you. Daddy likes you, and we’re friends.”

Indie tenses at the question. I immediately release her, knowing how much this freaks her out. It’s not that she doesn’t want us, but rather fears losing us.

“Why don’t we focus on the treasure hunt and picnic instead?” I say, hoping to redirect the conversation. “Since Indie can plan it, you and I will hunt through the house. I’m not sure I even know it that well. Do you, Myra?”

“I do,” Myra answers. “Indie and I play hide-and-seek here a lot, more so when Cora and Caleb visit.”

“And no one has ever invited me to play?” I pretend to pout.

“Not when you’re busy playing hockey all the time, Daddy,” Myra retorts with a glance at Indie. “We could do hide-and-seek instead of a treasure hunt. That way you can hide too.”

“We could combine both,” Indie suggests brightly. “Let’s gather some things and head over to your place.”

Soon we arrive at the house. The morning disappears in eager preparations—maps are hand-drawn, clues written out, a ‘treasure chest’ stuffed with goodies.

“Where do you come up with all these creative ideas?” I ask Indie admiringly.

“Mom and my aunts always had something planned to entertain us,” she responds. “As you know, my dad and his siblings are triplets, and they are pretty close. They decided to build their homes next to each other and share a backyard. They wanted us to grow up like siblings. They always had something planned for us so we wouldn’t be destroying the houses—not that it stopped some of my cousins or my brothers from trying.”

“And your dad and uncles didn’t join in or help?” I ask, curious.

“The dads helped out sometimes, but mostly gave music lessons—that was Dad and Uncle Mattie’s thing. Uncle Mason handled the martial arts training.” Indie shakes her head in amusement. “With sixteen kids running around, they divided and conquered.”

I can’t imagine having such a big family. Handling sixteen kids seems impossible. I have enough trouble with just one. Well, that’s not entirely true. Since Indie came into our lives, things between Myra and me have changed dramatically. I’ve become a better parent—I no longer just give in to Myra’s every wish. And in turn, her behavior has improved tremendously.

When I look up at Indie I simply say, “Thank you for being a part of our lives. I don’t know how our little family survived without you before.”

Indie blushes beautifully at the compliment. “You guys were doing just fine. But I’m happy I could help.”

But fine is not enough. This—happy—is what I want though. Sharing everything with her. If only I can convince her that we can happen.

Chapter Forty-Two

Ty: How’s Christmas with the parents?

Indie: Fun, as usual. How’s Cabo?

Ty: Sunny and . . . there’s not much sand, but at least my girl got to spend some time on the beach like we used to when we lived in Florida.

Indie: She misses it, huh?

Ty: Surprisingly not as much as I thought. I think she missed the quality time we spent together which I’m giving to her now—thanks to your advice.

Indie: You don’t give yourself enough credit. The transition between one state to the other, plus her going from a toddler to a big girl, happened at the same time. The adjustment was hard, but you two are on the other side.

Ty: You helped us, you’re just afraid of being part of the equation.

Indie: A little.

Ty: How’s therapy?

Indie: We’re back to claiming the benefits?

Ty: The only benefit I want is your complete trust. That we can cuddle whenever I want, and you accept that I love you. I love eating your pussy and when you let me fuck your mouth . . . Honestly, I just want every part of you. Heart. Body. Soul.

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